Is it possible for a cellphone to have even higher expectations pinned on it than the iPhone? The Nytimes.com reports that Sprint (NYSE: S), perhaps understandably, given its struggles in the last few years, has “particularly high hopes” for the Palm (NSDQ: PALM) Pre, which it will launch on June 6 as its exclusive carrier. “It’s the highest confidence I’ve ever had going into a device launch that this is going to be a blockbuster,” Sprint SVP of product and technology development Kevin Packingham told the Bits Blog.

The carrier is apparently sure that the phone, which is said to appeal to both consumers and business users, will show off its data network. But as Bits warns, this could be a mixed blessing. If the network can’t handle the burden, reviews of the new device could be mixed, just as it has been for AT&T (NYSE: T) and the iPhone. With valuable contract customers continuing to flee Sprint to other carriers, the stakes are higher for the US’s third largest network should its network not cope.

Aside from launching in Sprint stores and online, Best Buy, Radio Shack and certain Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT) stores will also carry the Pre starting June 6. According to Sprint, which announced pricing today, the Pre will cost $199.99 with a two-year service agreement and after a $100 mail-in rebate.

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